Arrival!

We have arrived safely in Cap Haitien! Customs was not much of an issue, and once we arrived on the Mission Compound, we were greeted with many hugs and smiles from Meg and Wilbert. I even received extra hugs from Wilbert after he found out I was "Madame Bob" (Mrs. Bob)! :-)

Do you believe that God answers prayer with little "signs" or moments meant just for you? I do. Well, for some reason anticipation of the flight was really getting to me this time, more so than ever before. Not sure why, but it was. And it got worse just before we boarded. The ticket agent called me to the desk, and asked if I would change seats, as an elderly person had received a seat assignment which was in an emergency exit row, and would not be able to handle the duty if necessary. 

Now, I have to tell you what Aidan said to me yesterday while we were swimming. There were many families swimming at the same beach, but one in particular was being noisy, a little rowdy. Apparently they quieted some at about the same time that I got in the water. Aidan said to me, "Mom, you have such a calming quality. You bring calmness everywhere you go. That family was being noisy, and as soon as you walked over here, they got quiet." (Of course, I really didn't have anything to do with them quieting down!) I told him, "Aww, thanks, buddy!" and left it at that.

Well, while waiting for the plane this morning, I thought about that moment again. Then I was asked to change seats, and I agreed. As soon as I sat back down, it hit me. OMGosh, the plane is going to crash and I'm going to have to stay calm and get everyone else out safely!

So this was running through my mind as we boarded. Of course, the seat I was in was 1A, right behind the door, (the rest of my family was in row 9, out of a total of 10 rows) so as I was sitting, people were standing in front of me, then the stewardess brought in the ladder and closed the door - my legs were squished up to my seat. It was hot, and I couldn't find one of those little air nozzles that you can adjust to blow air in your direction, so it felt stuffy as well. So I started taking forced deep breaths.

The plane started down the runway, eventually lifting off. As we were ascending, I remember thinking (not really a prayer) that if I saw a rainbow, everything would be fine. A few minutes later, guess what I saw? And a few minutes after that, another. I started to tear up a little as I was thanking God for sending these little signs. Then He sent a third.

Now I don't believe in bribing God. I've never said, "God if you really love me, you'll give me such-and-such." I just don't think he works that way. All I thought was, "Um, God, my WHOLE family is on this plane!" And then He sent a fourth rainbow. WOW!

But He didn't stop there. He sent a fifth and a sixth a little later.

And then came the Grand Finale.

He sent a beautiful, complete rainbow which framed the sun. I wish I'd had my camera handy so you would believe it.

Finally, I was able to breathe normally again, and to think about serving in His name while I'm here.